!!!!! Pr Credits To Draconis Von BloodTrap & [Peter1765
Who Help With SR chapters, Please take the time to rep them for their work :)
This doesn't count towards the donation queue this is today's regular release as to not confuse myself, hopefully i can release a sponsored chapter later today if 151 is being finished.
P.S This marks the end of volume 5 and the start of volume 6.
Not much to say for now other then enjoy the chapter. Remember next chapter will be the beginning of volume 6.
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Time passed on, and Avrin felt less regret for not spending time with both Calomia and Ilisia, who had become more joyful. Avrin didn't mind this at all, he knew he could be quite merciless and this was a bad thing to a degree. By retaining some easing qualities it would make his personality much smoother, but he also knew balance was key and in this universe if one was lacking they would stumble upon a mine field.
Avrin had only told them he would be returning to Roth village after he was sure he had gathered enough food for them to last a month. Calomia didn't act like it, but she was truly grateful. Her appearance was less withered and unhealthy. This was also the case for Ilisia now a rosy-cheeked girl, she had gone from an unhealthy pale colour to a healthy complexion.
Avrin had not felt at ease leaving them alone, so he had given Calomia a special flat crystal with a perfect square sticking out of it. The square had a slight indent in the center and it was slightly transparent, glowing with a faint blue light. The crystal was something Avrin had been thinking about the entire day due to his unease, thus he created a one-time use Divine Step device.
It had used 10% of his current energy to create and get right the first time, but for someone with the Heart of Creation, it came easily after getting used to the method. The crystal would activate by simply having someone place a bit of pressure onto the indent, then everything within a meter and a half radius of the person who activated the crystal would teleport to a set beacon.
Avrin could only do so much with his current knowledge and strength, though. The device would only allow them to Divine Step over fifty miles. The beacon was a small necklace Avrin wearing. Should anything happen, they would be transported to him. This was the safest option for now.
After saying goodbye to Calomia and the reluctant Ilisia, who wanted to go to Roth village with him, Avrin left. It was current 5:00 am and a normal person would have had to leave a couple of days ago if they wanted to make it to Roth with time to spare.
Avrin, of course, was a different case. As he walked Avrin placed the mask back on. Because his body was still in a state of recovery he didn't feel it was wise to mess with his appearance and body structure, thus the mask was still useful.
Roth village today was quite packed with mercenaries and people who had travelled far and wide because of a certain event. The Artificer Consortium had sent word using its connections that they would be purchasing any monster materials no matter the quality a step down from their previous words, even more, so that they were paying 20% extra to what any other shop was paying. This meant that not only would they be putting many stores in the red because of their hard tactics, but this was also a direct challenge to the Highland Syndicate.
Avrin had arrived not too long ago and was already seated cross-legged in his corner with nothing in front of him. If it hadn't been for his mysterious appearance, people would think he looked like some impoverished homeless man. Then again, no one paid any real attention to him as they had their own tasks to tend to, such as getting the best prices for items that were in demand before others beat them to it or purchasing today's newly made equipment.
“-I need to be most cautious about the Artificer Consortium. I do not doubt they have someone supporting them-” Avrin felt he needed to be cautious, which was why he was already developing countermeasures for not only the Artificer Consortium but the Spring Institute and the Highland Syndicate as well.
“You're Mister Avrin?” A voice sounded out, to which Avrin glanced up to see three men wearing leather and mail armor with the Anzazia group’s emblem sewn onto the shoulder parts. “Things went well?” Avrin said. The short-haired man with a serious look nodded and spoke. “Commander Sullivan and our leader and founder are waiting for you in a more private area to discuss matters, please follow us.”
The merchants that have not dared to piss Avrin off anymore simply watched as Avrin followed the three men, though the fat merchant had heard a bit of what happened and he was secretly cursing in his head. “This is fucking ridiculous!! How can he have such good luck!!” He felt wronged.
Following the three men, Avrin felt elated that things had gone well, although he expected as much. It’s much better experiencing success if you haven’t predicted it.
The meeting place was a high-class restaurant within the side area of the market bazaar where instead of normal food from farm animals being served the menu consisted of meat that came off of creatures that held valuable materials. This food was worth the price in Haze crystals, as it was much healthier and definitely tasted better.
As soon as Avrin and the three men came to the entrance the man on the left reached out and handed a wooden carved plate to one of the attendants at the front who welcomed guests. The attendant looked surprised, then gave a serious expression. “Please follow me.”
Avrin had long guessed this wasn't a trap. With his Divine Sense, he could see Sullivan standing beside a man who was seated. The man was a Grandmaster, but still, like dirt for someone of Avrin’s strength.
The room they were in was connected to a door inside the restaurant that led underground to a basement area that also connected to another guarded door that led down a long stone hallway before connecting to the room.
Avrin was walking down the hall by himself as the three men had also begun to stand guard at the entrance that connected the basement door to the hall that led to the main meeting room, though the man at the front told Avrin that the two inside were waiting for him, Avrin didn't linger and was already proceeding forward.
He had already set his offer in his mind. If they didn't accept it, then he would simply find another potential buyer. It wasn't as if he lacked time, as he had his Divine Sense.
There was no door connecting to the main room, the room itself was fifteen meters wide and ten meters high with iron tiles and some columns keeping everything stable. One could feel a fairly warm breeze flowing around through a rune. This was the work of the light green lines of mana that were etched into the walls and columns of the room, which using air magic circulated the air around and rejuvenated it to be breathable.
Avrin saw the two men, though they both remained silent. Sullivan wanted to greet Avrin but he didn't dare speak before Urkan, who was eyeing Avrin as if he were sizing him up.
Avrin glanced at the wide table. There were only two seats, one for Avrin and one for Urkan. Avrin walked over and took his seat as he casually leaned back while glancing at Urkan through the eye holes in the mask, his eyes carefully focusing on him.
Urkan felt a shiver run up his spine as he looked at Avrin, meeting his gaze. “-Such a fierce stare...no doubt he has experienced a lot-” Urkan gave a crude smile and spoke. “I welcome you, Mister Avrin. You know, in all honesty, the day Sullivan came to tell me of his purchase I was already in talks with the Artificer Consortium in my office. I took a chance that day and you can tell that I am here now to tell you the Four Heavens haven't let me down.
Putting all the talk aside, I want to tell you that if you can continuously offer such quality items, my mercenary group will greatly benefit and so will you, especially those Dark Frost mines. I would go so far as to say they are even scarier than the Sigil weapons you gave us...truly fascinating works of great craftsmanship.”
Avrin’s expression didn't change under his mask. This was to be expected. In fact, if he didn't need to be so calm he would have told the man ‘no shit’ that they were works of great craftsmanship. They were so deadly that they were used in his own universe even a thousand years after their creation.
“I am glad that the products sold proved as spoken. I can tell you in return, as long as you meet my offer then things can proceed well, if not, then I will find another buyer.” Avrin didn't need to be too polite. He needed to let Urkan know that he understood the value of his products and wouldn't be messed with when it came to being undervalued.
Urkan’s expression flickered slightly and his brows twitched. He felt that Avrin wasn't simple at all, a merchant selling ware at the worst part of the bazaar would thank the heavens for this opportunity but listening to Avrin he could tell that he understood how good the things he could make were. “I understand, I won't speak and risk offending you Mister Avrin. Can you please tell me what is it you want?”
Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings.
Avrin responded right after Urkan spoke. “I understand your group has some influence around Roth village. There is some land I am interested in acquiring. I would like an official deed given or created. I would also like the Anzazia group to help promote my wears when given the opportunity. The prices for my Sigils depend on the item needed.“
Avrin extended his hand and a parchment made of papyrus-lined with velvet and silk threaded letters began to form. This was to show that Avrin had some tricks up his sleeve.
The papyrus with silk woven letters floated towards Urkan before neatly laying flat in front of him. Urkan was interested in Avrin’s strange magic. This sort of freedom in magic wasn't so easily possible and would be considered illusion magic had it not been for the fact that it lacked the incantation as well as runes, and also there was the fact that in touching the papyrus he confirmed it was real. Urkan began to read the content and learned it was a price listing.
Avrin and Sullivan remained quiet as Urkan looked over the prices, thinking and reading it to himself. “- Haze Dark Sigils are considered Common quality and worth three Haze crystals. Unclouded Dark Sigils are of Uncommon quality and worth three Unclouded crystals. Luminous Dark Sigils are of Rare quality and worth three Luminous crystals-”
Urkan continued to read. It seemed the prices were fixed and only stopped on Crystalline Dark Sigils worth three Crystalline, though it also listed Dark Frost mines which were worth two Haze crystals each. It also stated payment must always be paid in full. It also stated that one couldn't pay enough crystals of a lower quality to purchase a higher quality Sigil weapon. Avrin’s Sigil weapons always needed a crystal of that quality to create it and it also helped make sure the quality of the weapon was a step above.
Avrin had thought before that his Sigil weapons would do without Haze crystals but he discovered the benefits of adding them were much better than having them without one, such as the Sigil weapon would improve faster.
“Mister Avrin, I can see these prices are exceptionally fair and I do not see any issue with this. You do not require a signed contract?” Urkan curiously spoke before smiling almost as if he were looking for a loophole.
“Contract?...” Avrin tilted his head. His Phantom Pulse engulfed the entire room, covering both Sullivan and Urkan in a dangerous pressure for only a moment. The two began to sweat bullets. Sullivan felt as if his bones were going to turn to dust and Urkan felt as if he was going to turn into a puddle of flesh and gore.
The pressure quickly receded and Avrin smiled. “I would only sign a contract if I was fearful of being cheated. What would I have to fear from you? If you want to be my ally then be my ally, if you want to be my enemy then be my enemy.” Avrin’s words were quite soft but carried a dangerous threat.
Urkan realised that offending Avrin and daring to cheat him was tantamount to a catastrophe. He now understood Avrin was a powerful individual who was laying low for some reason. “Of...course…” Urkan managed to speak out slowly before continuing. “I do not dare to try and cheat someone who will help my group climb the mountain of success, though the deed to land...may I enquire as to the location?”
Avrin felt his message had gotten across. Sullivan though, when looking at Avrin, was now afraid. Previously he felt Avrin was simply good at Sigil creation, never would he have thought he was actually a wolf in sheep's clothing.
Avrin was going to have purchased land in a more secluded spot, but he had a better idea to kill two birds with one stone. He would have a deed made for where Calomia’s home was built and make it even more official and he would also be giving the Artificer Consortium a headache. They would be a thorn to him sooner or later. If they openly provoked him he would have more reason to fight back without anyone taking their side. Of course, this wasn't to say he wouldn't deal with them quicker. Though having some competition was good because his prices would look more appealing.
“That spot, Mister Avrin, I received word a little while ago that it was being requested for the Artificer Consortium...are there any other locations you may be interested in?” Urkan not only didn't want to offend the Artificer Consortium but he was also afraid of their main branch, but the more he thought about it the more he realised he had already picked a side.
“That location is the one I want. It’s close to the forest and quite far from Roth. You could find me another location, but what you do now will affect our business later on when other individuals discover how great of a price I am asking for. I do not intend to restrict your freedom, and give negative incentives, but this spot is quite important to me. If you can acquire it, I will give you fifty Dark Haze Sigil weapons for only one-hundred Haze crystals, twenty Unclouded Sigil weapons for only thirty Unclouded crystals and one-hundred Dark Frost mines for only one-hundred Haze crystals.”
Avrin spoke smoothly and carefully. His prices were already dirt cheap compared to those out there but now it had been cheapened further. Urkan was somewhat at a loss for words. He wondered if Avrin even cared about his product’s prices. How could he understand Avrin’s tactics and plans for the future? While Urkan would be happy to have the mercenary group known within the country, Avrin would only be happy once his name was known throughout the five universes. This planet was truly too limiting for him, he simply saw it as a way to practice on skills he was lacking.
“Very well Mister Avrin, this can be done. Is there anything else you require? If you are purchasing land I presume you would like to have an establishment built. Would you like manpower or materials delivered?”
Avrin didn't want anyone but those he had a great deal of knowledge about to build anything for him. The blueprints of a building could be bought off, this was a careful step. He would soon be competing with the Artificer Consortium and even the Highland Syndicate. As for the Spring Institute, his skill in alchemical concoctions wasn't honed as he hadn't the interest for the moment.
“I want a Common quality enchanted bag. Apart from that please remember the circumference of one kilometer of the land I told you I want it to be owned by my business Shaded Moon. I only ask that you have your men patrol that area every now and then when the building I have built is established and remove any individuals who may be up to no good.”
Urkan nodded and rubbed his forehead slightly. “Mister Avrin, what you ask of me truly tests the limits of my influence...but the mayor of Roth village owes me a few big favors, this will surely be worth the investment. As you say, if you want to be my ally be my ally, if you want to be my enemy then be my enemy. Hopefully, this shows you that I have chosen to be your ally. I can't say the Artificer Consortium will be happy with my decisions, in fact, they may choose to not sell any products to me or even double or maybe triple the price!”
Avrin smiled and then leaned his covered cheek against his closed right hand as his elbow was on the table. “The Artificer Consortium? I do not care about such crude individuals, and you shouldn't either. From now on your goods will be purchased from me and they will be of quality much higher than that crude Consortium. When the deed title has been finalized, you can meet me at the home located on the land. Now then, I assume you have a large order prepared?”
Urkan glanced at Avrin and nodded as he watched him look casual though he didn't mind at all. “We will have the funds for five-hundred Dark Haze Sigil weapons, ten Dark Unclouded Sigil weapons, and two-hundred Dark Frost mines prepared. I will personally deliver the deed title as well as the enchanted bag to you when everything is ready. Do you have any estimates of how long completion will take?” Urkan, seeing and feeling the deal was set, had begun to speak with no fear at all.
“Hmm, it shouldn't take up much time at all. I can finish it all within one day.” Avrin spoke as if it weren't a problem, however, Urkan and Sullivan glanced with extreme shock as this was way too quick to create such an order. “WHAT!! ONE DAY!!???” Urkan shouted with amazement.
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Avrin's Inner Workings Status
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Dark Stage Control ParticlesType 12100%Dark Stage ParticlesType 12100%God Essence WeaponsAstaroth-ScytheLimos-VajraGod Essence EquipmentSarcanus-Armor